Book One: Starry Youth

Chapter One: William Brooks's Vengeance

The red sun rises, and the morning breeze is vast.

On the surface of the sea, the waves shimmer, the gently undulating surf like a mother’s tender cradle—one wave has barely settled before another rises, repeating endlessly, without pause.

In the distance, a vast flock of seagulls suddenly takes to the sky, circling high above, lingering for a long time before descending.

William Brooks, dressed in a snow-white coat, his handsome face smooth and gentle, resembled a marble statue. He sat gracefully atop the yacht, his whole being merging with the vessel, rising and falling gently with the waves. The soft hair on his forehead danced in the wind, his gaze was steadfast and passionate, the corners of his mouth curled into a mysterious smile. He seemed to blend into this tranquil and beautiful natural painting, everything appearing so harmonious and graceful. Even the most critical art connoisseur could not find a single flaw in this naturally formed scene.

William Brooks's expression showed neither surprise nor joy, as if quietly admiring the beauty of nature. In truth, his heart was already in turmoil, waves of emotion surging within. Memories of the past flowed through his mind without missing a single detail.

William Brooks came from the most mysterious ancient martial family in China, the Ling family. From a young age, he endured the harshest training in the world, was exceptionally intelligent, and by the age of fifteen had already made a name for himself within the family. Among his peers, whether in internal or external martial arts, or in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and various other disciplines, none in the family could surpass him. He was hailed as the hope of the new generation of the Ling family, its most outstanding representative.

Thinking of this, a trace of bitterness appeared in William Brooks's eyes. William Brooks was born of the family’s second branch, not a direct descendant. Therefore, after William Brooks rose to fame at fifteen in the family martial arts competition, the entire second branch not only failed to receive the expected attention, but instead suffered a series of ruthless suppressions from the main branch!

At sixteen, William Brooks's second branch was already struggling to survive. If not for the protection of several elder family members, the second branch would likely have been completely erased from the family because of William Brooks.

The conspiracy finally unfolded in utter silence.

William Brooks remembered clearly—it was the summer when he was seventeen, one month and eleven days before the Mid-Autumn Festival in August. Feeling extremely depressed, he went to the lakeside for a walk, only to accidentally discover his cousin Emily Brooks had fallen into the water!

William Brooks had never been fond of this cousin, always feeling she was too vain and competitive, and usually kept his distance. But it was not to the point of letting her die. Seeing Emily Brooks struggling and calling for help in the water, William Brooks's blood surged and, without thinking, he jumped in.

At that moment, William Brooks never considered why the usually pampered and well-attended Emily Brooks would come alone to the lake that day. Why would a girl who grew up by the water not know how to swim? How could the highly skilled Emily Brooks fall into the water without a sound? Would the always proud and self-assured Emily Brooks really scream for help so out of character?

Perhaps William Brooks had thought of these questions, or perhaps not, but regardless, he jumped in to save the cousin he had never liked since childhood.

Although William Brooks was clever and somewhat shrewd, he was, after all, just a seventeen-year-old boy! Having never experienced the outside world, William Brooks felt stifled within the family, but his mind was still very innocent. He could not yet imagine what people would do for power.

As soon as William Brooks jumped into the water and approached Emily Brooks, the previously weak and helpless Emily Brooks suddenly became vigorous, fighting him in the water while screaming for help in a shrill, desperate, and terrified voice!

In that instant, William Brooks was shocked to find that Emily Brooks's clothes were torn—as if someone had forcefully ripped them. Instinctively, William Brooks sensed something was wrong. Just as he tried to break free from Emily Brooks and get ashore, a dense crowd had already gathered on the bank.

William Brooks's mind went blank. All these people were from the main branch! This was a trap—a trap designed to ruin him forever! How laughable that he had jumped in without any guard!

Of course, Emily Brooks was rescued! Then, in front of everyone, she tearfully accused William Brooks of attempting to assault her, and, when she refused, William Brooks pushed her into the lake in anger. Her torn clothes were the strongest evidence! And the crowd of no less than fifty people by the lake all became witnesses!

The evidence was irrefutable! William Brooks's conduct was improper—not only did he use sweet words to seek family power, but he also tried to assault his cousin. His actions were vile and outrageous—worse than a beast!

The family head personally convened the five great elders to judge William Brooks! During the entire process, William Brooks did not say a single word. In fact, there was no need for him to speak anymore.